How to Say "smuggler" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “smuggler” is “contrabandista” — use this term when referring to someone who illegally transports goods or merchandise across borders.
contrabandista
kon-tra-ban-DEES-tahkontɾaβanˈdista
Examples
El contrabandista cruzó la frontera en medio de la noche.
The smuggler crossed the border in the middle of the night.
La policía detuvo a una contrabandista de perfumes caros.
The police arrested a smuggler of expensive perfumes.
Muchos contrabandistas operaban en esta costa hace cien años.
Many smugglers used to operate on this coast a hundred years ago.
The '-ista' Gender Rule
Words ending in '-ista' don't change their ending for men or women. You only change the word for 'the' or 'a'. So, it's 'el contrabandista' for a man and 'la contrabandista' for a woman.
Using it as an Adjective
Even though it is usually a person, you can use it to describe things related to smuggling, like 'actividad contrabandista' (smuggling activity).
Avoid 'Contrabandisto'
Mistake: “El contrabandisto fue capturado.”
Correction: El contrabandista fue capturado. Words ending in -ista never change to -isto for men.
traficante
trah-fee-KAHN-tehtɾafiˈkante
Examples
Capturaron al traficante de armas en la frontera sur.
They captured the arms trafficker on the southern border.
La traficante de personas fue condenada a muchos años de prisión.
The human trafficker was sentenced to many years in prison.
El gobierno está luchando contra los traficantes de drogas.
The government is fighting against the drug dealers/traffickers.
Gender Neutrality
Since 'traficante' ends in -e, it is gender-neutral. The only thing that changes when referring to a man or a woman is the article before it: 'el traficante' (the male trafficker) or 'la traficante' (the female trafficker).
Using 'traficante' for traffic lights
Mistake: “Using 'traficante' to mean 'traffic light' or 'traffic controller'.”
Correction: The correct words for traffic light are 'semáforo' or 'luz de tráfico'. 'Traficante' refers only to someone who trades or deals.
coyote
ko-YOH-tehkoˈʝote
Examples
El coyote les cobró mucho dinero por cruzar la frontera.
The smuggler charged them a lot of money to cross the border.
Muchos migrantes dependen de un coyote para llegar al norte.
Many migrants depend on a guide to reach the north.
Las autoridades están buscando al coyote que abandonó al grupo.
The authorities are looking for the smuggler who abandoned the group.
Using 'el' for people
When using 'coyote' for a person, it follows the same pattern as the animal. It is almost always used with the masculine 'el' because the profession is historically associated with men in slang.
Not for 'tour guides'
Mistake: “Calling a regular tourist guide a 'coyote'.”
Correction: Use 'guía' for tourists. 'Coyote' implies illegal or dangerous activity.
Goods vs. People Smuggling
Related Translations
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